Despicable Me 3: Meet the Mutiny – Leading Minion Mel

Fans counting down the days until Despicable Me 3 reaches theaters will surely enjoy learning about a new Minion character in the film – the mutinous leader Mel. Based on the original characters first introduced in the Illumination Entertainment debut production for distributor Universal Pictures directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, the new movie will be co-directed by returning lead helmer Coffin alongside Kyle Balda and Eric Guillon.

With an all-new animated adventure for audiences of all ages to begin to get excited for next, Despicable Me 3 will take Gru and his adorable adopted children on an adventure to meet Gru’s long-lost and estranged twin brother Dru – whose opulent lifestyle and continued interest in international villainy reflects a lifestyle in utter contrast to the film’s iconic star. Steve Carell will be back to voice Gru and Dru, with suppporting performances from Kristen Wiig and Trey Parker – though they won’t be the only characters for viewers to get excited about.

According to EW, the cast of Despicable Me 3 will be joined the third-time around – leaving aside the 2015 spinoff feature Minions– by the little yellow Minions backed by a mutinous leader who goes by the name of Mel. Possessed of an ability to strike out on a path set by his own gumption and inclinations, as opposed to following suit in a leader’s footsteps, Mel is sure to shake things up for longtime fans of the blockbuster animated franchise.

Based in part on the name and hair style of Illumination Entertainment founder and Despicable Me 3 producer Chris Meledandri, Mel is sure to become a quick fan favorite among moviegoers who just can’t get enough of those adorable yellow Minions. Speaking to the idea behind creating the new Minion as a voice of dissension, co-director and longtime Universal veteran of the franchise Kyle Balda explained Mel’s basic character motivations, stating:

“The Minions have been patiently waiting for Gru to get over this phase of being good, but when that doesn’t come to fruition, Mel is the one who can’t take anymore and is speaking out, and so all the other Minions get behind him to be like, ‘Preach it!’ He’s a character who personifies the voice of objection against Gru’s life choices. I think of him as sort of the head of the union. Collectively, the Minions are a character themselves, and it feels stronger when we can pull out an individual personality to rise up.”

With any luck, longtime fans of the preceding entries in the series will be fully on board with the introduction of Minion mutiny leader Mel when Despicable Me 3 finally see theatrical release at the end of next month, and the new movie will prove to be a winning success. In the mean time, here’s to hoping for the very best from the latest animated film produced by Illumination Entertainment.